Early Life and Education of Sylvester Stallone: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Sylvester Stallone. From birth to education, explore key events.

Sylvester Stallone is an American actor and filmmaker with a career spanning over fifty years. He's received a Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award, along with multiple Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. Notably, he's one of two actors to star in a box-office number one film across six consecutive decades. His films have grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide, establishing him as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1919: Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr. Born

In 1919, Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr., Sylvester Stallone's father, was born.

1921: Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone Born

In 1921, Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone, Sylvester Stallone's mother, was born.

July 6, 1946: Sylvester Stallone Born

On July 6, 1946, Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone was born in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City. He is the son of Jacqueline "Jackie" Stallone, an astrologer and wrestling promoter, and Francesco "Frank" Stallone Sr., a hairdresser.

1954: Mother Opened Women's Gym

In 1954, Sylvester Stallone's mother opened a women's gym called Barbella's in Washington, D.C.

September 1965: Attended American College of Switzerland

From September 1965, Stallone spent two years at the American College of Switzerland.

June 1967: End of time at American College of Switzerland

In June 1967, Stallone ended his two year stay at the American College of Switzerland.

1969: Studied at the University of Miami

In 1969, Stallone stopped studying at the University of Miami as a drama major, without graduating.

1969: Moved to New York City and Struggled as an Actor

In 1969, Sylvester Stallone moved to New York City and struggled to find acting work, eventually finding some minor roles.

December 28, 1974: Marriage to Sasha Czack

On December 28, 1974, at age 28, Sylvester Stallone married Sasha Czack.

1974: Role in The Lords of Flatbush

In 1974, Stallone appeared in the film "The Lords of Flatbush", marking a gradual step in his acting career.

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March 24, 1975: Saw Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner Fight

On March 24, 1975, Sylvester Stallone watched the Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner fight, which inspired him to write the first draft of "Rocky" in three days.

1976: Success with Rocky

In 1976, Sylvester Stallone achieved critical and commercial success with his iconic role as Rocky Balboa in "Rocky", a film he also wrote.

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1976: Birth of Son Sage Moonblood Stallone

In 1976, Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack had their first son, Sage Moonblood Stallone.

1979: Birth of Son Seargeoh Stallone

In 1979, Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack had their second son, Seargeoh, who was later diagnosed with autism.

1981: Falling Out with Joe Spinell

In 1981, Sylvester Stallone had a falling out with Joe Spinell during the shooting of their final collaboration, Nighthawks.

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February 14, 1985: Divorce from Sasha Czack

On February 14, 1985, Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack divorced.

December 15, 1985: Marriage to Brigitte Nielsen

On December 15, 1985, Sylvester Stallone married model and actress Brigitte Nielsen in Beverly Hills, California. The marriage lasted two years and their subsequent divorce was highly publicized.

1988: Relationship with Jennifer Flavin Begins

In 1988, Sylvester Stallone began a relationship with model Jennifer Flavin.

1989: Death of Joe Spinell

In 1989, Joe Spinell, a close friend of Sylvester Stallone, died.

1989: Co-starring in Tango & Cash

In 1989, Sylvester Stallone co-starred alongside Kurt Russell in the buddy cop action film "Tango & Cash", which grossed US$57 million in foreign markets and over US$120 million worldwide. Stallone also became a boxing promoter in the 1980s.

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February 1994: Birth of Janice Dickinson's Child

In February 1994, following the birth of model Janice Dickinson's child, Sylvester Stallone ended his relationship with Jennifer Flavin after telling her he was the father. However, DNA tests later confirmed he was not the father.

1994: Contribution to Rick Santorum's Campaign

In 1994, Stallone contributed $1,000 to the campaign of then-Congressman Rick Santorum, who was running for the Senate in Pennsylvania.

1995: Relationship with Jennifer Flavin Rekindled

In 1995, after a brief engagement with model Angie Everhart, Sylvester Stallone rekindled his relationship with Jennifer Flavin.

1996: Rediscovering Faith

In 1996, Stallone rediscovered his childhood Catholic faith when his daughter was born ill, leading him to become a strict Catholic again.

May 1997: Marriage to Jennifer Flavin

In May 1997, Sylvester Stallone married Jennifer Flavin.

1998: Received Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

In 1998, Stallone was granted a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree by the University of Miami, after requesting his life experiences be accepted for needed college credits.

2005: Co-presenting The Contender, Guest Appearances, WWE Hall of Fame Induction, and Sly Moves Book Release

In 2005, Sylvester Stallone co-presented the NBC reality television boxing competition series "The Contender" alongside Sugar Ray Leonard. He also made guest appearances in two episodes of the television series "Las Vegas". Stallone inducted Hulk Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame. In August 2005, Stallone released his book "Sly Moves", a guide to fitness and nutrition.

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2006: Interview with Pat Robertson

In 2006, Stallone was interviewed by Pat Robertson on the Christian Broadcasting Network's 700 Club. He stated that he had spent much of his previous time in Hollywood "losing his way" but later put things "in God's hands".

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2008: Endorsement of John McCain

In 2008, Stallone endorsed John McCain for that year's presidential election.

2009: Filming of The Expendables

During the summer/winter of 2009, Sylvester Stallone filmed The Expendables.

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2009: Stallone Considers Death Wish Project Again

In a 2009 interview, Sylvester Stallone stated that he was again considering the Death Wish project.

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2010: GQ Magazine Interview

In 2010, Stallone told GQ magazine, "I'm pretty spiritual; I believe a lot in the spirit of man. I'm certainly not an atheist ... I was baptized Catholic, but I don't belong to a structured church."

August 26, 2012: Death of Half-Sister Toni Ann Filiti

On August 26, 2012, Sylvester Stallone's half-sister, Toni Ann Filiti, died of lung cancer.

2012: Death of Son Sage Moonblood Stallone

In 2012, Sylvester Stallone's son, Sage Moonblood Stallone, died of heart disease at the age of 36.

2012: Death of Toni-Ann Filiti

In 2012, Toni-Ann Filiti, Sylvester Stallone's half-sister, died. Her son, Edd Filiti, supported claims of abuse against Stallone.

2013: Starring in Bullet to the Head, Escape Plan, and Grudge Match

In 2013, Sylvester Stallone starred in the action film "Bullet to the Head", the action thriller "Escape Plan" with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the sports comedy drama "Grudge Match" with Robert De Niro. That year, Stallone was also credited as writer for the Jason Statham action film vehicle Homefront.

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2015: Hindu Ritual for Son Sage

In 2015, upon the advice of a Vedic scholar, Stallone performed a Hindu Tithi Shradh ritual at Haridwar for his son Sage.

2016: Declined NEA Chair Offer

In 2016, Stallone described Donald Trump as a "Dickensian character" but did not endorse him in the Republican primaries and he declined an offer to become Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, citing a desire to work on issues related to veterans.

August 19, 2022: Jennifer Flavin Files for Divorce

On August 19, 2022, after 25 years of marriage, Jennifer Flavin filed for divorce from Sylvester Stallone.

September 23, 2022: Reconciliation with Jennifer Flavin

On September 23, 2022, Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin reconciled.

2023: Donation to Kyrsten Sinema's Campaign

In 2023, Stallone donated $11,600 to independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema's re-election campaign in Arizona and he and his family spent time with Pope Francis in a private meeting at the Vatican.

2024: Praise for Donald Trump

In 2024, after Trump's win in the election, Stallone attended an event at Mar-a-Lago. During a speech, Stallone praised Trump as a "mythical character" and the "second George Washington", comparing him to his character Rocky Balboa.